A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher Page B

admiration?
    Encouraged, he said, “If you’d like, Miss Arlington, I could take you up to the site next week. Let you see for yourself.”
    “I would like that, Mr. McKinley. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble for you.”
    “No trouble at all. I have some obligations to see to on Monday and Tuesday. How about Wednesday?”
    She shook her head. “I give piano lessons on Wednesdays.”
    “Thursday then?”
    “I visit my father and sister on the ranch on Thursday. We like to have lunch together.”
    Had she changed her mind? Were these just excuses?
    “But I suppose I could meet you at the resort site and then to go the ranch from there. Would that be convenient for you?”
    Morgan liked the idea of a drive with Gwen seated beside him. He wanted them to spend that time together. After all, it could
     be beneficial. He might be able to detail more of his plans, something he couldn’t do if they arrived and departed separately.
    “I have a better idea,” he said. “Let me drive you up in my motorcar. When we’re finished at the resort, I’ll take you to
     the ranch. It will be much faster.”
    “How would I get home?”
    “I’ll come back for you. All you would need to do is tell me when to return.”
    “That would be too much to ask, Mr. McKinley.”
    He smiled. “You aren’t asking. I’m offering.”
    “But — ”
    “I’ll pick you up at nine o’clock Thursday morning. That should give us ample time at the site and still get you to the ranch
     for lunch.”
    Her expression revealed her struggle as she weighed his offer. He thought for a moment that she would refuse and was surprised
     by the disappointment he felt in return.
    A small sigh escaped her. “All right, Mr. McKinley. I’ll be ready at nine o’clock Thursday morning.”
    “Wear a scarf over your hat.” He rose from the chair. “It gets windy in the automobile.”

    Gwen watched as Morgan walked down her front pathway with an easy, yard-eating gait. Once on the sidewalk, he looked back
     and waved before heading east on Wallula Street toward the center of town.
    Had it been wise to agree to drive with him to his resort? She didn’t know. But something had shifted in her heart as he talked
     about his mother and his plans for the spa she’d wanted to build. He had seemed anything but controlling or high and mighty.
     What sort of man built a spa that would cater to both the wealthy and the unfortunate?
    One with a kind heart.
    All the same, she wasn’t sure it was wise to spend time alone with Morgan McKinley She wanted voters to elect her as the next
     mayor, and he wanted the same. He might not be her enemy, but still…
    Was it dangerous to allow him to become a friend?

ELEVEN
    Dedrik Finster looked up from his mail sorting.
“Guten Tag
,
Fräulein
. Good you come in. You have letter from your
Mutter
.” He turned toward the individual slots on the far wall.
    Gwen crossed the post office to the counter.
    “Long time between letters. Your
Mutter
is well, I hope.”
    “I hope so too.” She took the proffered envelope from the postmaster’s hand. “Thank you.”
    “Is true, you will be mayor?”
    “I want to be, Mr. Finster. I will do a good job. I hope you’ll vote for me.”
    “I will decide. Vote very important.”
    “Yes, I know it is.” While Mr. Finster’s English wasn’t perfect, she knew he was proud of his American citizenship and felt
     privileged to be able to vote in an election. “You should cast your ballot for whoever you think will serve our town the best.”
     She gave a little wave. “Please say hello to Mrs. Finster for me.”
    “I will,
Fräulein
. I tell her.”
    Gwen hurried down the sidewalk toward home, eager to read her letter. As happy as she was in Idaho, she still missed seeing
     her mother and looked forward to hearing from her. She hoped the transcontinental telephone wires would soon reach Bethlehem
     Springs, making it possible for her and her mother to speak to each other. It had